According to the Blackstone Group LP (NYSE: BX) conference call, it appears that the buyout market is getting somewhat better. For example, in Q2 the firm struck deals like the purchase of the The Weather Channel.Despite all this, things are still far from good. In fact, Blackstone predicts that the slowdown will continue into 2009 and perhaps 2010. Actually, it looks like the problems are slipping over into Europe and even Asia.
So it should be no surprise that Blackstone's recent financial results are fairly lackluster. The firm posted a net loss of $156.5 million, or $0.60 per share, which compares to a profit of $774.4 million or $0.20 per share in the same period a year ago. Revenues plunged 63% to $353.7 million. Of course, the main reason is that Blackstone hasn't had opportunities to exit investments from its portfolio.
However, Blackstone believes there are juicy investment opportunities. For example, the firm's credit-focused hedge fund, GSO Capital, is investing in distressed debt and even providing financing for Blackstone buyouts. Interestingly enough, the alternative asset management segment saw a 34% spike in revenues to $225.2 for Q2.
Some other good news: Blackstone is still collecting large amounts of assets. So far, the amount is about $113 billion, providing the firm with lots of power to capitalize on things.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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